Freude foreverer

In order to achieve sustainable development circular approaches to design are a fundamental paradigm shift required. When designing for circularity, reduction and longevity are two strategies within circular design with a potential in enabling reduction in CO2 footprint that have not been widely explored yet.

In researching the potential of increasing product lifespan a clear distinction between durability and longevity has been established, each with different focal points and relevant contributions. While durability is concerned with increasing the technical and mechanical lifespan of objects, longevity deals with the intangible, psychological and social problems tied to an object’s path to obsolescence.

In this thesis the focus was laid on exploring the issue of longevity through an emotional experience that can counteract the tendencies of an object losing symbolic value, becoming emotionally obsolete and thereby discarded. The inquiry into symbolic value of a product has been done through the lens of  a formal aesthetic exploration parallel to remaining emotionally relevant. Therefore, providing an experience of awe through motion that aims to transcend transient trends and remain relevant independent of technological development was set as a goal. This was achieved by referencing experiences of nature that have been found to induce an awe response. The result is a circular design approach to a personal vehicle for short distance travel for two passengers that follows the set strategies and requirements with a potential to prolong the vehicles lifespan.